575 - Jean Dunand

Jean Dunand A coupe en laque by Jean Dunand (1877 - 1942) Black and red lacquer applied in several layers in the style of Negoro-nuri on repoussé copper sheet. Broad cup with flaring rim on a tapering black base. With round punch mark monogramm JD on the base within a circular reserve. A 2.5 cm-long retouch to the edge. Height 7.8, depth 20.9 cm. Produced by Atelier Jean Dunand, Paris, 1920s. Jean Dunand (1877-1942) is regarded as the greatest lacquer artist of the Art Deco period. A sculptor trained at the academy, he turned to a field of the applied arts in 1902: Dinanderie, the working of metals and their surfaces. Around 1912, he became acquainted with the Japanese lacquer artist Seizo Sugawara, who had previously also worked with Eileen Gray. This encounter had a decisive impact on his own work. Jean Dunand was fascinated by the Japanese artist’s work and by the history of Japanese lacquer art to the same extent that Sugawara was impressed by his technique of precious-metal inlay, making their relationship one of mutual inspiration. From then on, Jean Dunand focused on objects that clearly expressed the influence of Japanese forms and colours, while nevertheless being perceived as his own creations. This bowl is paradigmatic of his oeuvre. Negoro lacquer, which became popular in Japan at the end of the 19th century, derives its distinctive effect from use by its owner. Through handling, the uppermost layer of lacquer is gradually worn away over the years, allowing the layers beneath to shimmer through. Dunand’s bowl offered the appearance of historically developed lacquer as a finished result - a modern European interpretation of the Japanese lacquer technique. Provenance Private German collection. Literature Cf. Delorenzo, Jean Dunand, New York 1985, pp. 132 and 137. Cf. Marcilhac, Jean Dunand. Vie et oeuvre, Paris–London 1991, p. 41, lacquer samples with different finishes, including trompe-l’œil tortoiseshell. Under no. 1184 in the catalogue raisonné, similar "coupelles", offered at auction in Paris in 1985. Cf. cat. Art Deco 1925. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Lisbon 2009, p. 239.